Amazon Kindle users issued five day deadline before major change
The long-standing feature is set to disappear in just a few days as users are urged to prepare ahead of deadline
Kindle users have been warned about a deadline that's mere days away. A long-standing feature is disappearing soon as Amazon is set to change how Kindle users download content.
For over 10 years, Kindle users have been able to download ebooks to their computers, where they can act as backups or be transferred to other devices. However, as of February 26, 2025, Amazon is removing this feature.
Until then, users can download copies of their Kindle books from a physical Kindle device to their computer via a USB. But it won't be possible after that date and you'll only be able to read them on a Kindle device or the app.
After February 26, you can continue downloading Kindle books from the Kindle Store using Wi-Fi. You can utilise the Send to Kindle page on Amazon to send different types of files to your Kindle.
For those who typically read Kindle ebooks on a Kindle reader or via the Kindle app, the change may not be apparent until they next try to download a book. Kindle users are being informed of the change when selecting the 'download' option next to a book after clicking on the three-dot menu.
People are being urged to download Kindle books while they can
The message that pops up to users reads: "Starting February 26, 2025, the 'Downloads and Trasnfer via USB' option will no longer be available. You can still send Kindle books to your Wi-Fi enabled devices by selecting the 'Deliver or Remove from Device' option."
The Kindle books in your library aren't entirely yours. Even the ones you've bought can be removed or modified by Amazon or the publisher whenever they choose.
To move and download ebooks from your Kindle to your computer while you can, now is the best time to do so. Log in to your account on Amazon then select 'Accounts and Lists', followed by 'Content Library' and then 'Books'. Find the book you want to download, then click on the three dots and 'Download and transfer via USB' next.
Amazon is changing how people are able to download and view ebooks
On X, Kindle users have been sharing news about the upcoming change with fellow readers. Rueisreading said: "Everyone, heads up if you haven't already seen - amazon is making changes to the way you own your kindle books."
Mjbop posted: "For my followers who have a kindle: amazon will remove the feature that allows you to download books (so you can store them outside the kindle) from February 26, so you'll only have access to the books you bought via kindle. download your library now if you can."
Kezarthur wrote: "Remember, you lease the books, not own them when you buy from Amazon etc). Meaning, you've 6 days to back them up. This is why you should buy directly from authors where you can. You own the books, and you can put them on any device you want."
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